Introduction To Fuel Cells

This textbook covers essential electrochemistry and materials science content and provides an extensive collection of examples in order to bridge the gap between engineering students’ basic knowledge and the concrete skills they need to handle practical problems in fuel cells. The book starts with an introduction to the basic thermodynamics and electrochemistry principles and techniques in fuel cells. It subsequently discusses fuel cell operation principles, electrocatalysts, electrode materials, cell and system configuration and technologies in low-temperature fuel cells such as alkaline fuel cells and proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and in high-temperature fuel cells including solid oxide and molten carbonate fuel cells. Other energy conversion and storage technologies such as supercapacitors, batteries and electrolysis are also covered. A special chapter on laboratory experiments with fuel cells is also included, which can be conducted in conjunction with classroom teaching. Each chapter includes problems and exercises. The book provides students with an engineering background essential information on the basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry and materials of fuel cells, the most efficient and environmentally friend energy conversion technologies, all in a single book.

This book covers all the proposed fuel cell systems including PEMFC, SOFC, PAFC, MCFC, regenerative fuel cells, direct alcohol fuel cells, and small fuel cells to replace batteries.

Fuel cells are, according to some, the answer to the future problems of energy resources. Rather than solve those problems alone, they will doubtless form part of a growing group of alternative energy sources such as wind, tidal, photovoltaic and nuclear sources which will reduce our dependence on oil. Stationary fuel cells are the kind used mainly for home, office and large-scale power plants. For those seeking a current overview of stationary fuel cells, their status and applications, market developments, market players, economics and future potential, this is where to look. Not a purely engineering textbook, it is designed to provide potential adopters of fuel cells with the information needed to make sensible decisions, and as such it is unique. *Expert summary of current and future status *Decision-making aid for non-engineers *Increasingly important fuel source

A complete, up-to-date, introductory guide to fuel cell technology and application Fuel Cell Fundamentals provides a thorough introduction to the principles and practicalities behind fuel cell technology. Beginning with the underlying concepts, the discussion explores fuel cell thermodynamics, kinetics, transport, and modeling before moving into the application side with guidance on system types and design, performance, costs, and environmental impact. This new third edition has been updated with the latest technological advances and relevant calculations, and enhanced chapters on advanced fuel cell design and electrochemical and hydrogen energy systems. Worked problems, illustrations, and application examples throughout lend a real-world perspective, and end-of chapter review questions and mathematical problems reinforce the material learned. Fuel cells produce more electricity than batteries or combustion engines, with far fewer emissions. This book is the essential introduction to the technology that makes this possible, and the physical processes behind this cost-saving and environmentally friendly energy source. Understand the basic principles of fuel cell physics Compare the applications, performance, and costs of different systems Master the calculations associated with the latest fuel cell technology Learn the considerations involved in system selection and design As more and more nations turn to fuel cell commercialization amidst advancing technology and dropping deployment costs, global stationary fuel cell revenue is expected to grow from $1.4 billion to $40.0 billion by 2022. The sector is forecasted to explode, and there will be a tremendous demand for high-level qualified workers with advanced skills and knowledge of fuel cell technology. Fuel Cell Fundamentals is the essential first step toward joining the new energy revolution.

Fuel Cells: Technologies for Fuel Processing provides an overview of the most important aspects of fuel reforming to the generally interested reader, researcher, technologist, teacher, student, or engineer. The topics covered include all aspects of fuel reforming: fundamental chemistry, different modes of reforming, catalysts, catalyst deactivation, fuel desulfurization, reaction engineering, novel reforming concepts, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer issues, system design, and recent research and development. While no attempt is made to describe the fuel cell itself, there is sufficient description of the fuel cell to show how it affects the fuel reformer. By focusing on the fundamentals, this book aims to be a source of information now and in the future. By avoiding time-sensitive information/analysis (e.g., economics) it serves as a single source of information for scientists and engineers in fuel processing technology. The material is presented in such a way that this book will serve as a reference for graduate level courses, fuel cell developers, and fuel cell researchers. Chapters written by experts in each area Extensive bibliography supporting each chapter Detailed index Up-to-date diagrams and full colour illustrations

Fuel Cells is a concise, up-to-date and accessible guide to the evolution of the use of electrochemistry to generate power. The author provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of fuel cells, the environmental concerns which came into prominence in the 1980s and the economic factors associated with this method of power generation. Examples discussed include Alkaline Fuel Cells, Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells, Molton Carbonate Fuel Cells and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, making this a valuable and insightful read for those in the power generation market and those in electrochemistry, such as engineers, managers and academics. Explores multiple variations of fuel cell technology and evaluates their cost and application Provides detailed historical context, beginning in 1839 with the development of electrolysis Discusses the most up-to-date advancements and methods of fuel cell technology today

Introduction to Transfer Phenomena in PEM Fuel Cells presents the fruit of several years of research in the area of fuel cells. The book illustrates the transfer phenomena occurring inside a single cell and describes the technology field of hydrogen, explicitly the production, storage and risk management of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Several applications of hydrogen are also cited, and special interest is dedicated to the PEM Fuel Cell. Mass, charge and heat transfer phenomena are also discussed in this great resource that includes explanations, illustrations and governing equations for each section. Illustrates transfer phenomena occurring within a single cell Describes the technological field of hydrogen (production, storage, and risk and management) Introduces the various applications of hydrogen Presents mass transfer, charge and heat phenomena

PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of PEM fuel cell, their working condition and application, and the latest breakthroughs and challenges for fuel cell technology. Each chapter follows a systematic and consistent structure with clear illustrations and diagrams for easy understanding. The opening chapters address the basics of PEM technology; stacking and membrane electrode assembly for PEM, degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts, platinum dissolution and redeposition, carbon-support corrosion, bipolar plates and carbon nanotubes for the PEM, and gas diffusion layers. Thermodynamics, operating conditions, and electrochemistry address fuel cell efficiency and the fundamental workings of the PEM. Instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis are then presented alongside practical tests. Dedicated chapters explain how to use MATLAB and COMSOL to conduct simulation and modeling of catalysts, gas diffusion layers, assembly, and membrane. Degradation and failure modes are discussed in detail, providing strategies and protocols for mitigation. High-temperature PEMs are also examined, as are the fundamentals of EIS. Critically, the environmental impact and life cycle of the production and storage of hydrogen are addressed, as are the risk and durability issues of PEMFC technology. Dedicated chapters are presented on the economics and commercialization of PEMFCs, including discussion of installation costs, initial capital costs, and the regulatory frameworks; apart from this, there is a separate chapter on their application to the automotive industry. Finally, future challenges and applications are considered. PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides an in-depth and comprehensive reference on every aspect of PEM fuel cells fundamentals, ideal for researchers, graduates, and students. Presents the fundamentals of PEM fuel cell technology, electrolytes, membranes, modeling, conductivity, recent trends, and future applications Addresses commercialization, public policy, and the environmental impacts of PEMFC in dedicated chapters Presents state-of-the-art PEMFC research alongside the underlying concepts